Orinoco is a charity, based in Oxford, UK, committed to banishing boredom and saving the world. We promote re-use, art and creative play through education and direct action.

We are here for everyone: mums, dads, children, young people, teachers, childcare professionals, artists… We’ll help you play, create and decorate at low cost, in style and in a way that is environmentally responsible.

You don’t have to be a member to come to Orinoco, nor on a reduced budget, local, a teacher or an artist. Just come along to the store, shop and join in the fun.

We’re passionate about play. We believe that everyone should be able to access the materials, advice and training to make creative play easy and affordable. This was the principal reason for founding Orinoco back in 1993 and remains one of our principal areas of work.

The Orinoco Outreach team visit shows and events across Oxfordshire [Events Calendar]. You can book Orinoco Art workers to visit your event or play day. You can also book the Amazing Scrapmobile to visit your venue or setting.

Orinoco relies on donations of materials, fees generated by training events, income from events, membership fees and donations made by our customers for the paint, scrap and materials they take from the store. But most of all we rely on volunteers.

Orinoco is part of the national Community RePaint network of paint re-use stores which take in usable waste paint and make it available at no or low cost to anyone who wants it.